Sunderland are interested in SM Caen centre-forward Alexandre Mendy but a deal remains far from complete despite reports from France suggesting the 30-year-old is on the brink of making a move to Wearside.

Sunderland are currently in Spain taking part in a warm weather training camp as Régis Le Bris continues to get to grips with his new squad after being appointed the club’s new head coach earlier this summer.

Sources in Spain have confirmed to We Are Sunderland a deal for Mendy remains far from complete at this stage as the club continues to monitor its options at centre-forward.

 

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Le Bris’ side contested their first friendly on the Spanish coast in a 1-1 draw with the Premier League’s Nottingham Forest with 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda leading the attack. Mayenda was one of four centre-forward additions made by the club last summer who contributed just three goals between them as Sunderland’s struggles in front of goal continued throughout the season, with much of the burden being placed on Jack Clarke who scored from the penalty spot against Nottingham Forest.

Clarke was Sunderland’s top scorer last season as the club have still to find a permanent replacement for Ross Stewart following his season-ending injury in January 2023 before the Scotsman was then sold to Southampton last summer for a fee in the region of £10million.

It means Sunderland’s need for a recognised centre-forward continues to grow as we head into the 2024-25 Championship campaign with Caen striker Mendy the latest to be linked with a move to the North East.

The 30-year-old was the top scorer in Ligue 2 last season with 22 goals in 37 appearances for the side who finished sixth in France’s second tier. Mendy has scored 65 times and made 11 assists in 142 appearances during his time in northern France having also had spells with Guingamp, Stade Brestois, Nice and Bordeaux, as well as seven international appearances for Guinea-Bissau.

Reports in France last week suggested Sunderland had registered their interest in Mendy and had even gone as far as having a bid rejected for the forward, with Josue Casse of FootMercato now suggesting Mendy has made his decision to join Sunderland this summer.

“When Sunderland arrived, there was no more debate,” Mendy is quoted by FootMercato. “I could have gone into exile in Saudi Arabia with the idea of a golden retirement, but I still have things to do in football and when [my advisor] called me to tell me Sunderland, it was as if I had blinkers on. It’s a sporting choice and I’m really looking forward to starting this new adventure.

“I know the club well, he told me about the president Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, his values and his convictions which are those that I share. There’s also the coach Régis Le Bris, a very strong tactical coach, who can help me move up a level. He exudes serenity and natural strength.

“I know that it’s a club that can bring me a lot. I’m really looking forward to my medical to go to England with my wife and children and to discover this stadium, these fans and this magnificent atmosphere.”

 

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Despite those reports, however, sources in Spain have denied suggestions a deal to bring Mendy to the Stadium of Light is close, with the 30-year-old only a player of interest at this stage.

Mendy still has two-years remaining on his contract with Caen which means Sunderland will need to come up with a financial package to suit the Ligue 2 side if they are to extend their interest in the 30-year-old.

Both Mayenda and Nazariy Rusyn featured in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest while Luis Hemir is also part of the squad in Spain and could feature in Sunday’s friendly against CD Eldense at the Pinatar Arena.

Midfielder Alan Browne could also make his first pre-season appearance for Sunderland in Sunday’s fixture having yet to feature since moving to Wearside after ending a 10-year stay with Preston North End earlier this summer.